Next weekend I pull my new 240 from the lake for the first time. Can anyone give me tips on how to get the boat on the trailer. Must you bring the centerboard all the way up prior to docking? Do you have the engine bring the boat on the trailer with power? I am a novice and somewhat nervous about this...Thanks for the help...
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No sweat
You should bring the centerboard up before you start to trailer the boat. It is not neccessary for stability unless you are actually sailing under wind power, so don't be concerned there. Position the trailer such that the bunks are just covered with water, then motor the boat gently and slowly onto the trailer. If it sticks before the bow rest against the winch support, you may have to back further into the water. Secure the winch, then slowly pull up the ramp. Make sure things are settling in as you continue up the ramp. Good luck.
You should bring the centerboard up before you start to trailer the boat. It is not neccessary for stability unless you are actually sailing under wind power, so don't be concerned there. Position the trailer such that the bunks are just covered with water, then motor the boat gently and slowly onto the trailer. If it sticks before the bow rest against the winch support, you may have to back further into the water. Secure the winch, then slowly pull up the ramp. Make sure things are settling in as you continue up the ramp. Good luck.
Don't Forget the Rudder
After you turn the motor off the very next thing to do is raise the rudder. It is real embarassing when you forget. Dish soap on the bunks helps to get it all the way up to the bow stop.
After you turn the motor off the very next thing to do is raise the rudder. It is real embarassing when you forget. Dish soap on the bunks helps to get it all the way up to the bow stop.
Gary
Gary, I think we've talked through email before. It's not difficult getting the boat on the trailer. Two people is pretty much the minimum. I'm in the owners directory if you want to email me for a phone number and I can walk you though MY process.
Gary, I think we've talked through email before. It's not difficult getting the boat on the trailer. Two people is pretty much the minimum. I'm in the owners directory if you want to email me for a phone number and I can walk you though MY process.
Open the water ballast plug
Be sure to open the water ballast plug to let the water out as you are bringing the boat out of the water. We usually pull the boat out about 5 feet and let the water drain out and then back it back down and secure the cable before finally driving off.
Be sure to open the water ballast plug to let the water out as you are bringing the boat out of the water. We usually pull the boat out about 5 feet and let the water drain out and then back it back down and secure the cable before finally driving off.
240 hauling out
It is easy if #1, Take your time!!!! Ken will talk you through but here a just some ideas refined from my woops won't do that again process. I pull the boat and trailer 3/4 way out of water then drain the ballast, otherwise a lot of extra weight on the trailer. Then back down with empty ballast and just deep enough to snug upto bow roller. Trypically need rudder up or it will ground it before you have it far enough on the trailer. Don't use the motor to power it all the way on, it is not a speed boat.
It is easy if #1, Take your time!!!! Ken will talk you through but here a just some ideas refined from my woops won't do that again process. I pull the boat and trailer 3/4 way out of water then drain the ballast, otherwise a lot of extra weight on the trailer. Then back down with empty ballast and just deep enough to snug upto bow roller. Trypically need rudder up or it will ground it before you have it far enough on the trailer. Don't use the motor to power it all the way on, it is not a speed boat.
And the KeelBoard !
You might make a short checklist on a card, Gary. Be sure to get the board and rudder up. I pull them both then motor onto the trailer but the boat handles terrible with just the motor alone. You might want to practice this a little or leave the rudder down. DO NOT try to retrieve for the first time with much wind. There's so much freeboard that a strong wind will really cause problems. I retrieve single-handed so it's not a real big deal.... unless it's windy. Ken S/V WouffHong
You might make a short checklist on a card, Gary. Be sure to get the board and rudder up. I pull them both then motor onto the trailer but the boat handles terrible with just the motor alone. You might want to practice this a little or leave the rudder down. DO NOT try to retrieve for the first time with much wind. There's so much freeboard that a strong wind will really cause problems. I retrieve single-handed so it's not a real big deal.... unless it's windy. Ken S/V WouffHong
Thanks
I appreciate the tips. I assume the bunks referred to are the pads on the trailer, as dish soap was mentioned to be applied. I now feel more confident and intend to have a check list developed so that I don't forget all that needs done...Thanks again to all of you for the help....
I appreciate the tips. I assume the bunks referred to are the pads on the trailer, as dish soap was mentioned to be applied. I now feel more confident and intend to have a check list developed so that I don't forget all that needs done...Thanks again to all of you for the help....
More help
Take a look on the Photo Forum, "Trailer Improvement" for 240. We used this device for three seasons and it has never failed. Per Albinsson /AMFI
Take a look on the Photo Forum, "Trailer Improvement" for 240. We used this device for three seasons and it has never failed. Per Albinsson /AMFI
Launch Check Next Spring
While all the interest is about puting the boat on the trailer, one thing to think about is launching next spring. We have a 16 footer that gave me difficulties when launching sometimes. Then I found out that if the stern of the boat wasn't floating it wouldn't slide off the trailer. Upon inspection I figured out the centerboard was hanging down about two or three inches and hanging up on a cross member. Adding a line to hold the centerboard up all the way cured this problem. May not apply to your boat but something to look at.
While all the interest is about puting the boat on the trailer, one thing to think about is launching next spring. We have a 16 footer that gave me difficulties when launching sometimes. Then I found out that if the stern of the boat wasn't floating it wouldn't slide off the trailer. Upon inspection I figured out the centerboard was hanging down about two or three inches and hanging up on a cross member. Adding a line to hold the centerboard up all the way cured this problem. May not apply to your boat but something to look at.
Launch Check Next Spring
While all the interest is about puting the boat on the trailer, one thing to think about is launching next spring. We have a 16 footer that gave me difficulties when launching sometimes. Then I found out that if the stern of the boat wasn't floating it wouldn't slide off the trailer. Upon inspection I figured out the swing-up centerboard was hanging down about two or three inches and hanging up on a cross member. Adding a line to hold the centerboard up all the way cured this problem. May not apply to your boat but something to look at.
While all the interest is about puting the boat on the trailer, one thing to think about is launching next spring. We have a 16 footer that gave me difficulties when launching sometimes. Then I found out that if the stern of the boat wasn't floating it wouldn't slide off the trailer. Upon inspection I figured out the swing-up centerboard was hanging down about two or three inches and hanging up on a cross member. Adding a line to hold the centerboard up all the way cured this problem. May not apply to your boat but something to look at.
Gary-240 on trailer
Gary, I have a an H26 and were doing mine this weekend also. Have done it a few times and all the advise on the site has been right on. I'm going to be up in Patoka in two weeks. If you wanted to wait would be glad to give you a hand. Paul H Linda Belle 95 H26
Gary, I have a an H26 and were doing mine this weekend also. Have done it a few times and all the advise on the site has been right on. I'm going to be up in Patoka in two weeks. If you wanted to wait would be glad to give you a hand. Paul H Linda Belle 95 H26
Paul.....
Paul..I appreciate the offer but it won't be necessary as I have the marina owner helping me. His truck will pull the trailer and he will guide me in. When you come to Patoka, if you are at Hoosier Hills Marina(formerly Lickfork Marina) you will see my boat on the trailer all in one piece(I hope)...Thanks again for the offer, Gary Smith
Paul..I appreciate the offer but it won't be necessary as I have the marina owner helping me. His truck will pull the trailer and he will guide me in. When you come to Patoka, if you are at Hoosier Hills Marina(formerly Lickfork Marina) you will see my boat on the trailer all in one piece(I hope)...Thanks again for the offer, Gary Smith
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